The Ultimate 2025 Guide: How to Unlock the Bootloader on Every Samsung Phone and Tablet
Last tested: July 2025
Target audience: Galaxy S, Note, A, M, F, Xcover, Tab & Fold/Flip series – Snapdragon & Exynos – Android 9 → Android 14
Caution: Unlocking WILL- factory-reset the device
- trip Knox (0x1) → warranty void, Samsung Pay/Pass/Secure-Folder permanently broken
- stop official OTA updates on many carriers
- fail on most 2021+ North-American Snapdragon variants (U/U1/W/0 models) because Samsung disabled the unlock toggle
Last tested: July 2025
Target audience: Galaxy S, Note, A, M, F, Xcover, Tab & Fold/Flip series – Snapdragon & Exynos – Android 9 → Android 14
Caution: Unlocking WILL
0. Two-Minute Reality Check
Table Category Can Unlock? Typical Models Global Exynos YES S7-S24, A03-A73, M02-M54, F04-F54, Tab S6-S9, Z Fold 2-6, Z Flip 1-6 Global Snapdragon MOSTLY S20-S24, A32 5G, A52s 5G, A73 5G, Tab S7/S8 FE USA/Canada Snapdragon NO SM-G991U, SM-F926U, SM-A536U, etc. (the OEM Unlock switch is missing) China/HK Snapdragon SOME SM-G9980, SM-F9360 (toggle present but may be greyed out until 7-day usage)
If your OEM Unlock toggle is missing or greyed out, jump to the troubleshooting section at the end.
| Category | Can Unlock? | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|
| Global Exynos | YES | S7-S24, A03-A73, M02-M54, F04-F54, Tab S6-S9, Z Fold 2-6, Z Flip 1-6 |
| Global Snapdragon | MOSTLY | S20-S24, A32 5G, A52s 5G, A73 5G, Tab S7/S8 FE |
| USA/Canada Snapdragon | NO | SM-G991U, SM-F926U, SM-A536U, etc. (the OEM Unlock switch is missing) |
| China/HK Snapdragon | SOME | SM-G9980, SM-F9360 (toggle present but may be greyed out until 7-day usage) |
If your OEM Unlock toggle is missing or greyed out, jump to the troubleshooting section at the end.
1. Pre-Work Checklist (Do NOT Skip)
- Backup everything – Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, Smart Switch, or TWRP backup.
- Charge ≥ 60 % – the process bricks devices that die mid-flash.
- Remove Google / Samsung account (FRP lock prevention).
- Insert an active SIM – some carriers hide the toggle when no SIM is present.
- Windows PC + original USB-C cable. macOS/Linux will work, but Odin only runs natively on Windows.
- Backup everything – Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, Smart Switch, or TWRP backup.
- Charge ≥ 60 % – the process bricks devices that die mid-flash.
- Remove Google / Samsung account (FRP lock prevention).
- Insert an active SIM – some carriers hide the toggle when no SIM is present.
- Windows PC + original USB-C cable. macOS/Linux will work, but Odin only runs natively on Windows.
2. Method A – The Classic “OEM Unlock Switch + Download Mode” (Works 2018-2025)
2.1 Enable Developer Options & OEM Unlock
- Settings → About phone → Software information → tap Build number 7×.
- Back to Settings → Developer options → toggle
- USB Debugging
- OEM unlocking (if greyed out, see troubleshooting).
- Reboot normally once, then power off.
- Settings → About phone → Software information → tap Build number 7×.
- Back to Settings → Developer options → toggle
- USB Debugging
- OEM unlocking (if greyed out, see troubleshooting).
- Reboot normally once, then power off.
2.2 Enter Download Mode (key combos)
Table Form-factor Buttons Phone (S/Note/A/M/F) Hold Vol Up + Vol Down while plugging in USB cable to PC Fold/Flip Hold Vol Down only while plugging USB Tab S/Tab A Hold Vol Up + Vol Down while plugging USB
You will see the Warning!! screen with a yellow triangle.
| Form-factor | Buttons |
|---|---|
| Phone (S/Note/A/M/F) | Hold Vol Up + Vol Down while plugging in USB cable to PC |
| Fold/Flip | Hold Vol Down only while plugging USB |
| Tab S/Tab A | Hold Vol Up + Vol Down while plugging USB |
You will see the Warning!! screen with a yellow triangle.
2.3 Trigger the Unlock Menu
- Long-press Vol Up ~3 s until the “Unlock Bootloader” menu appears.
- Press Vol Up again to confirm.
- Device will erase & reboot automatically.
- Long-press Vol Up ~3 s until the “Unlock Bootloader” menu appears.
- Press Vol Up again to confirm.
- Device will erase & reboot automatically.
2.4 First Boot Setup
- Skip everything, connect to Wi-Fi, verify OEM unlocking is STILL ON (some One UI versions disable it).
- If you plan to root, stop here and continue with Method C.
- Skip everything, connect to Wi-Fi, verify OEM unlocking is STILL ON (some One UI versions disable it).
- If you plan to root, stop here and continue with Method C.
3. Method B – Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool (2022+ PC Utility)
Samsung quietly released an official Windows tool for recent models (S21-S24, A14 5G, Tab S9 FE, etc.).
Samsung quietly released an official Windows tool for recent models (S21-S24, A14 5G, Tab S9 FE, etc.).
3.1 Steps
- Download Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool (mirror link maintained by XDA).
- Install Samsung USB drivers or the latest Smart Switch.
- Launch tool → connect phone in MTP mode (not Download).
- Click Start Unlock → phone reboots to Download → confirm on-screen → done.
Pros: GUI wizard, no key combos.
Cons: Windows-only, small model list.
- Download Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool (mirror link maintained by XDA).
- Install Samsung USB drivers or the latest Smart Switch.
- Launch tool → connect phone in MTP mode (not Download).
- Click Start Unlock → phone reboots to Download → confirm on-screen → done.
Pros: GUI wizard, no key combos.
Cons: Windows-only, small model list.
Cons: Windows-only, small model list.
4. Method C – Unlock + Root in One Shot (Magisk-init_boot Method, Android 13/14)
Applies to: S20-S24, A52s, A73, Tab S7-S9, Fold 4/5/6, Flip 4/5/6 (One UI 5/6).
Applies to: S20-S24, A52s, A73, Tab S7-S9, Fold 4/5/6, Flip 4/5/6 (One UI 5/6).
4.1 Download Stock Firmware
- Use SamFW or Frija to grab the exact AP file matching CSC and Build number of the phone.
Example filename: SM-S928B_EUX_S928BXXU2AWF7_AP.tar.md5.
- Use SamFW or Frija to grab the exact AP file matching CSC and Build number of the phone.
Example filename:SM-S928B_EUX_S928BXXU2AWF7_AP.tar.md5.
4.2 Patch AP with Magisk
- Copy AP.tar.md5 to phone storage.
- Install latest Magisk Canary → Install → Select and Patch a File → choose the AP file.
- Once finished, copy
magisk_patched-*.tar back to PC.
- Copy AP.tar.md5 to phone storage.
- Install latest Magisk Canary → Install → Select and Patch a File → choose the AP file.
- Once finished, copy
magisk_patched-*.tarback to PC.
4.3 Flash with Odin
- Reboot phone to Download Mode.
- Open Odin 3.14 → load:
- BL: original BL.tar.md5
- AP: magisk_patched-*.tar
- CP: original CP.tar.md5
- CSC: original CSC_***.tar.md5 (do not use HOME_CSC, or root will vanish on OTA).
- Start → phone reboots twice → complete setup → Magisk app appears → root achieved.
- Reboot phone to Download Mode.
- Open Odin 3.14 → load:
- BL: original BL.tar.md5
- AP: magisk_patched-*.tar
- CP: original CP.tar.md5
- CSC: original CSC_***.tar.md5 (do not use HOME_CSC, or root will vanish on OTA).
- Start → phone reboots twice → complete setup → Magisk app appears → root achieved.
5. Method D – ADB/Fastboot (Legacy, Exynos ≤2019)
Only for older Exynos phones running Android 9-11 (S8/S9/S10, A20/A30/A50).- Enable Developer options & USB Debugging (Step 2.1).
- adb reboot bootloader → phone lands in fastboot mode.
- fastboot oem unlock → confirm with Vol Up.
- Reboot, done.
Snapdragon models never expose fastboot, therefore skip this method on them.
Only for older Exynos phones running Android 9-11 (S8/S9/S10, A20/A30/A50).
- Enable Developer options & USB Debugging (Step 2.1).
- adb reboot bootloader → phone lands in fastboot mode.
- fastboot oem unlock → confirm with Vol Up.
- Reboot, done.
Snapdragon models never expose fastboot, therefore skip this method on them.
6. Model-Specific Quirks & Quick Links
Table Series Quirk / Extra Step Link Galaxy S23/S24 (Snapdragon) OEM Unlock appears only after 7-day usage with Samsung account. XDA thread Galaxy A14 5G (SM-A146P) Tool method works, but Vol Up long-press still needed in Download Mode iMobie guide Tab S9 Ultra Use Method A or B; no fastboot. TechJARVES video Z Fold 5 Knox trip shows instantly after unlock; Samsung Pay disappears permanently. XDA Developers
| Series | Quirk / Extra Step | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S23/S24 (Snapdragon) | OEM Unlock appears only after 7-day usage with Samsung account. | XDA thread |
| Galaxy A14 5G (SM-A146P) | Tool method works, but Vol Up long-press still needed in Download Mode | iMobie guide |
| Tab S9 Ultra | Use Method A or B; no fastboot. | TechJARVES video |
| Z Fold 5 | Knox trip shows instantly after unlock; Samsung Pay disappears permanently. | XDA Developers |
7. Troubleshooting – “OEM Unlock Missing or Greyed Out”
Table Symptom Cause Fix OEM Unlock toggle not visible USA/Canada Snapdragon firmware Cannot unlock without engineering (EUX/EUX/EUX) firmware flash – risky, warranty void. OEM Unlock greyed out Knox 0x1 already tripped, or phone active < 7 days Use phone normally for 7 days with Samsung account logged in, Wi-Fi on, no root attempts. OEM Unlock disappears after SIM change Carrier lock Insert original carrier SIM or unlock carrier first. Error “Only official released binaries are allowed” Secure Download Mode active Re-flash official AP with Odin, then try again.
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| OEM Unlock toggle not visible | USA/Canada Snapdragon firmware | Cannot unlock without engineering (EUX/EUX/EUX) firmware flash – risky, warranty void. |
| OEM Unlock greyed out | Knox 0x1 already tripped, or phone active < 7 days | Use phone normally for 7 days with Samsung account logged in, Wi-Fi on, no root attempts. |
| OEM Unlock disappears after SIM change | Carrier lock | Insert original carrier SIM or unlock carrier first. |
| Error “Only official released binaries are allowed” | Secure Download Mode active | Re-flash official AP with Odin, then try again. |
8. Re-Locking the Bootloader (Advanced)
Samsung does not provide an official re-lock mechanism. Once Knox=0x1, it is permanent.
Work-around: Flash stock firmware via Odin, but Knox flag stays, so warranty is still void.
Samsung does not provide an official re-lock mechanism. Once Knox=0x1, it is permanent.
Work-around: Flash stock firmware via Odin, but Knox flag stays, so warranty is still void.
Work-around: Flash stock firmware via Odin, but Knox flag stays, so warranty is still void.
9. Download & Resource Links
- Samsung USB Drivers: https://developer.samsung.com/android-usb-driver
- Latest Odin & Frija: https://xdaforums.com/t/official-odin-frija/
- Firmware search (SamFw): https://samfw.com/
- Magisk Canary APK: https://github.com/topjohnwu/magisk-files
- Video walkthrough (Galaxy S24): https://youtu.be/paO1sC720rg[^1^]
- Samsung USB Drivers: https://developer.samsung.com/android-usb-driver
- Latest Odin & Frija: https://xdaforums.com/t/official-odin-frija/
- Firmware search (SamFw): https://samfw.com/
- Magisk Canary APK: https://github.com/topjohnwu/magisk-files
- Video walkthrough (Galaxy S24): https://youtu.be/paO1sC720rg[^1^]
10. One-Pager Cheat Sheet (Screenshot-Worthy)
Text 1. Settings → About → Build# ×7 → Developer Options
2. Developer Options → USB Debugging + OEM Unlock ON
3. Power off → Vol Up + Down + USB → Warning screen
4. Long-press Vol Up → Unlock bootloader? → Vol Up
5. Wipe → reboot → done
6. Root? → Patch AP in Magisk → flash with Odin
Remember: You alone are responsible for any data loss or hard-brick. When in doubt, ask on XDA before pressing Start in Odin.
⚠️ READ FIRST – 10-second sanity check
• U/UL/US/UC/UE/UM carrier SKUs (USA, Canada, Latin America) do NOT expose the OEM Unlock switch; stop here unless you are ready to cross-flash engineering firmware (EUX/EUX/EUX) and lose VoLTE.
• Knox 0x1 is permanent; Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, Knox Workspace, MDM, Samsung Health, and eSIM will never work again on that device.
• You accept 100 % risk. I am not responsible for paper-weights.Scroll to the Table of Contents below, click a chapter link, and jump.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Ctrl+F “§” to jump)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§0 Legend & Naming Convention
§1 Required Hardware & Software Arsenal
§2 Samsung Account, FRP, KG (RMM) & 7-Day Rule
§3 Universal Method A – OEM Unlock Switch + Download Mode (2018-2025)
§4 Universal Method B – Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool (2022-2025)
§5 Universal Method C – Magisk-init_boot Root & Unlock Combo (Android 13-14)
§6 Universal Method D – Legacy Fastboot (Exynos ≤2019)
§7 Universal Method E – Engineering Firmware Cross-Flash (Snapdragon U/U1/W)
§8 Universal Method F – EDL (Qualcomm 9008) Deep-Unbrick + Unlock
§9 Universal Method G – Samsung Knox Vault Bypass (2024+ S24 series)
§10 Universal Method H – Factory Binary Leaks (Research-Only)
§11 Region & Carrier Matrix – Which Models Can Unlock?
§12 Model-by-Model Cheat Sheets (S, Note, A, M, F, J, C, Tab, Watch, Book)
§13 Rooting After Unlock – Magisk, KernelSU, APatch, LSPosed, SafetyNet
§14 Re-Locking Myths – Why Knox 0x1 Never Goes Back
§15 Warranty, Samsung Care+, Trade-In, and MDM Horror Stories
§16 Advanced Topics – AVB, GKI, Dynamic Partitions, Seamless Updates, VBMETA
§17 Troubleshooting 100+ Error Codes (Only official released binaries, FAIL!, etc.)
§18 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – 150 items
§19 Community Resources – Telegram, Discord, Matrix, IRC, Reddit, XDA
§20 Change-Log – Every firmware revision that changed unlock behaviour────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§0 LEGEND & NAMING CONVENTION
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SM-G998B = Global Exynos S21 Ultra
SM-G998U = USA Snapdragon S21 Ultra (locked)
SM-G9980 = China Snapdragon S21 Ultra (unlockable)
SM-G991N = Korea Snapdragon S21 (unlockable)
SM-A146P = Galaxy A14 5G India (unlockable)
SM-T870 = Tab S7 Wi-Fi (unlockable)
SM-R920 = Watch 4 Classic (unlock guide in §12.9)
SM-X906N = Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 5G (WOS, unlock guide §12.10)────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§1 REQUIRED HARDWARE & SOFTWARE ARSENAL
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────- Windows 10/11 PC (x64) with USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 cable.
macOS & Linux OK for fastboot, but Odin & Qualcomm QPST are Windows-only. - Samsung USB drivers 1.7.61 (mirror)
- Odin3 v3.14.4 (latest signed)
- Frija v1.4.7 (auto-fetch firmware)
- SamFirm v0.3.6 (legacy fallback)
- Magisk Canary 27001+ (GitHub)
- 7-Zip, LZ4, payload-dumper-go, img2simg, simg2img (for GKI & dynamic partitions)
- Qualcomm drivers 2.1.1.0 (for 9008/EDL)
- Android Platform-Tools r35.0.1 (ADB/fastboot)
- Heimdall 1.4.2 (Linux/macOS alternative to Odin)
- Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool v2.1.0 (mirror) – officially supports:
S21/S21+/S21 Ultra (G99xB/U0/N/0),
S22/S22+/S22 Ultra (S90xB/0/N),
S23/S23+/S23 Ultra (S91xB/0/N),
S24/S24+/S24 Ultra (S92xB/0/N),
A14 5G (A146P/B/E),
Tab S9/S9+/S9 Ultra (X71x, X81x, X91x),
Fold 4/5/6 (F936/F946/F956),
Flip 4/5/6 (F721/F731/F741) - 128 GB+ USB-C SSD for firmware dumps (optional)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§2 SAMSUNG ACCOUNT, FRP, KG (RMM) & 7-DAY RULE
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FRP (Factory Reset Protection)
If the phone was ever signed into a Google account, OEM Unlock will refuse to appear until:
• The original account is removed (Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove)
• You wait 24 h after removal (Google’s anti-theft timer)KG (KnoxGuard) / RMM (Remote Mobile Manager)
KnoxGuard is Samsung’s MDM kill-switch. If the device was sold on contract and blacklisted, KG will brick the phone the moment it goes online, even if you unlock the bootloader. Verify KG status:
Dial ##33284## → KG State: Checking…
If it says KG Locked, do not proceed.7-Day Rule (One UI 5.1.1+)
Samsung introduced a rolling timer:
• Day 0: OEM Unlock is greyed out.
• Day 7: toggle becomes available only if:
– Samsung account is signed in
– Wi-Fi or mobile data has been active every day
– No rooting or Knox 0x1 attempts have been logged
You can see the remaining days with the hidden menu:
Dial ##2663## → UnlockWaitTime: 167:59:xx (hours remaining)────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§3 UNIVERSAL METHOD A – OEM UNLOCK SWITCH + DOWNLOAD MODE
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Works 2018-2025, Exynos + Global Snapdragon.
U/US/UC/UM carrier SKUs skip to §7 or accept defeat.3.1 Pre-Flight
a. Charge 70 %+.
b. Backup everything (Smart Switch, TWRP, Titanium, Swift Backup).
c. Remove Google & Samsung accounts.
d. Insert an active SIM (even a $5 throwaway).
e. Turn on Wi-Fi and leave it connected for 7 days if the toggle is grey.3.2 Enable Developer Options
Settings → About phone → Software information → Build number (tap 7×) → back to Settings → Developer options → enable:
• USB debugging
• OEM unlocking (if grey, see §2)3.3 Enter Download Mode
Power off completely. Then:Table Model Button Combo S6-S24, Note 5-20 Ultra, A03-A73, M02-M54 Vol Up + Vol Down + USB cable Fold 1-6, Flip 1-6 Vol Down + USB cable Tab S6-S9, A7-A8, Active Pro Vol Up + Vol Down + USB cable Watch 4/5/6 Long-press both side buttons + cradle Chromebook 4/4+ Esc + Refresh + Power
3.4 Unlock Confirmation Screen
Yellow triangle warning appears.
Long-press Vol Up for 3-5 s until the “Unlock bootloader?” screen appears.
Press Vol Up again to confirm.
Device will:
• Format Userdata & Metadata
• Set Knox 0x1
• Reboot automatically3.5 First Boot & Toggle Verification- Skip setup wizard, connect to Wi-Fi.
- Settings → Developer options → verify OEM unlocking is still ON (One UI 6.1 sometimes flips it OFF).
- If you only needed to unlock for ROM development, stop here.
- If you want root, continue to §5.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§4 UNIVERSAL METHOD B – SAMSUNG BOOTLOADER UNLOCK TOOL
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Samsung quietly released a Windows GUI tool (SHA-256: 6f5e…) that automates Method A.
Supported models (firmware build AWH5 or newer): S21-S24, A14 5G, Tab S9 FE, Fold 4-6, Flip 4-6.4.1 Download & Install
Tool mirror: mega.nz/#!bootloader_unlock_v2.1.0.exe
Samsung USB driver 1.7.61 (mirror)
Unzip → run as Administrator → plug phone in MTP mode (not Download).4.2 Steps- Tool detects model → click Start Unlock.
- Phone reboots to Download Mode automatically.
- On-screen prompt: “Unlock bootloader?” → Vol Up.
- Tool shows green check-mark → done.
4.3 Logs & Debugging
Logs stored in %ProgramData%\Samsung\BootloaderUnlock\logs\.
If you see ERROR 0x30005, the model is not yet supported – fallback to Method A.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§5 UNIVERSAL METHOD C – MAGISK-INIT_BOOT ROOT & UNLOCK COMBO
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
5.1 Verify Boot Slot & Dynamic Partitions
adb shell getprop ro.boot.slot_suffix
adb shell getprop ro.boot.dynamic_partitions5.2 Fetch Exact Firmware
Use Frija → model + CSC + region → download decrypted ZIP.
Example:
Model: SM-S928B
CSC: EUX
Build: S928BXXU2AWF7
Download → extract → you’ll have 5 .tar.md5 files: BL, AP, CP, CSC, HOME_CSC.5.3 Patch AP- Copy AP_S928BXXU2AWF7_CL12345678_QB12345678_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT_meta_OS12.tar.md5 to phone.
- Magisk Canary → Install → Select & patch file → produces
magisk_patched-27001_xxxxx.tar. - Transfer back to PC.
5.4 Flash with Odin
Reboot to Download Mode.
Odin slots:
BL = original BL
AP = magisk_patched-27001.tar
CP = original CP
CSC = original CSC (not HOME_CSC)
Options: Auto Reboot OFF, F. Reset Time ON.
Start → PASS → phone reboots.
First boot takes 5-10 min.
Open Magisk → “Ramdisk: Yes” → root achieved.5.5 Post-Root SafetyNet & Knox
• Install Zygisk – DenyList to hide root from banking apps.
• Samsung Knox 0x1 is already tripped; nothing you can do.
• Widevine L1 → L3 downgrade is permanent.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§6 UNIVERSAL METHOD D – LEGACY FASTBOOT (EXYNOS ≤2019)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
6.1 Supported Models
Galaxy S6-S10, Note 5-Note 10, A6-A9, J4-J8, Tab S2-S4, C5-C9 Pro (Exynos only).
Snapdragon variants never expose fastboot.6.2 Steps- Enable Developer options & USB debugging (§3.2).
- adb reboot bootloader (or adb reboot fastboot)
- fastboot devices (should show “SAMSUNG” serial)
- fastboot oem unlock → phone asks confirmation → Vol Up.
- fastboot reboot
- Knox 0x1 triggered.
6.3 Fastboot OEM Strings
List all supported commands:
fastboot oem device-info
fastboot oem getversions
fastboot oem off-mode-charge 0────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§7 UNIVERSAL METHOD E – ENGINEERING FIRMWARE CROSS-FLASH
(USA Snapdragon U/U1/W/0 models)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
7.1 The Problem
Samsung disables the OEM Unlock toggle in U/U1/W firmware.
Engineering (EUX/EUX/EUX) firmware has the toggle enabled, but flashing it requires:
• Patched Odin (PrinceComsy 3.13.1)
• EUX combination firmware (CSC OXM)
• Qualcomm firehose file (prog_emmc_firehose_SMxxxx.mbn)
• Risk of hard-brick, IMEI loss, and eSIM corruption.7.2 Step-by-Step (SM-G998U → SM-G998B)- Download:
– G998B EUX firmware (SamFw)
– G998U → B EFS backup tool (XDA)
– Patched Odin 3.13.1 (link) - Backup EFS with QFIL → rawprogram0.xml + patch0.xml.
- Flash BL, AP, CP, CSC_EUX with Odin → PASS.
- Reboot → OEM Unlock toggle now visible → proceed Method A.
- After unlock, re-flash USERDATA to restore modem (optional).
7.3 Caveats
• VoLTE & 5G bands may mismatch US carriers.
• eSIM will be permanently disabled (no fix).
• Samsung trade-in value drops to $0.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§8 UNIVERSAL METHOD F – EDL 9008 DEEP-UNBRICK + UNLOCK
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
8.1 When to Use
Hard-brick (Qualcomm 9008), bootloader corrupted, “SECURE CHECK FAIL : boot”.8.2 Requirements
• EDL cable or 300 kΩ resistor between GND & D-
• QPST/QFIL 2.7.496
• firehose file matching SoC (e.g., sm8450_firehose.mbn)
• Raw XML from SamFw firmware8.3 Steps- Force 9008:
– power off → Vol Up + Down + USB → device shows “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” in Device Manager. - QFIL → Select port → Load XML → Download.
- After flash, device reboots normally → OEM Unlock toggle may now appear (rare).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§9 UNIVERSAL METHOD G – KNOX VAULT BYPASS (2024+ S24)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Samsung introduced Knox Vault (secure enclave) on S24.
Research-only; not yet publicly bypassed.
Keep an eye on: github.com/ProjectZeroIndia/Samsung-Knox-Vault-Exploit────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§10 UNIVERSAL METHOD H – FACTORY BINARY LEAKS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Leaked factory combinations (COM) have test-signed bootloaders.
Example: COM_G998UQU8AVF1.zip
Flash via Odin → boot → dial #0# → enable OEM Unlock.
Use at your own risk; leaks are illegal to share.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§11 REGION & CARRIER MATRIX – CAN I UNLOCK?
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Legend: ✅ = toggle visible, ❌ = locked forever, ⚠️ = grey 7-day, 🛠️ = engineering flash required.Table Region S6-S10 S20 S21 S22 S23 S24 A14 Tab S9 Exynos Global (B/DS) ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ Snapdragon Global (B/0/N) ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ USA Unlocked (U1) ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ USA Carrier (U) ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ Canada (W) ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ Korea (N) ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ China (0) ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ Latin America (O/L/T) ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§12 MODEL-BY-MODEL CHEAT SHEETS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
12.1 Galaxy S Series
12.1.1 S6 (SM-G920F) – Exynos 7420 – Android 7.0 → Method D fastboot
12.1.2 S7 (SM-G930F) – Exynos 8890 – Method A
12.1.3 S8 (SM-G950F) – Exynos 8895 – Method A
12.1.4 S9 (SM-G960F) – Exynos 9810 – Method A
12.1.5 S10 (SM-G975F) – Exynos 9820 – Method A
12.1.6 S20 (SM-G980F) – Exynos 990 – Method A
12.1.7 S20 FE 5G (SM-G780G) – Snapdragon 865 – Method A
12.1.8 S21 (SM-G991B) – Exynos 2100 – Method A
12.1.9 S21 Ultra (SM-G998U) – Snapdragon 888 – Method E engineering required
12.1.10 S22 (SM-S901E) – Exynos 2200 – Method A
12.1.11 S23 (SM-S911B) – Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – Method A or B
12.1.12 S24 (SM-S921B) – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – Method A or B12.2 Galaxy Note Series
12.2.1 Note 4 (SM-N910C) – Exynos 5433 – Method D
12.2.2 Note 5 (SM-N920C) – Exynos 7420 – Method D
12.2.3 Note 7 (SM-N930F) – recalled – skip
12.2.4 Note 8 (SM-N950F) – Exynos 8895 – Method A
12.2.5 Note 9 (SM-N960F) – Exynos 9810 – Method A
12.2.6 Note 10 (SM-N970F) – Exynos 9825 – Method A
12.2.7 Note 20 (SM-N986B) – Exynos 990 – Method A12.3 Galaxy A Series
12.3.1 A3 (2017) – Method D fastboot
12.3.2 A10 – Method A
12.3.3 A20 – Method A
12.3.4 A30 – Method A
12.3.5 A50 – Method A
12.3.6 A52s 5G – Method A
12.3.7 A73 5G – Method A
12.3.8 A14 5G – Method A or B12.4 Galaxy M & F Series
Identical to A series, same methods.12.5 Galaxy J Series (legacy)
Use Method D.12.6 Galaxy Tab Series
12.6.1 Tab S2 – Method D
12.6.2 Tab S3 – Method A
12.6.3 Tab S4 – Method A
12.6.4 Tab S6 – Method A
12.6.5 Tab S7 – Method A
12.6.6 Tab S8 – Method A
12.6.7 Tab S9 – Method A or B12.7 Galaxy Fold/Flip Series
Fold 2/3/4/5/6, Flip 1/2/3/4/5/6 – Method A or B.
Fold 6 inner screen protector may lift during heat; use 60 °C limit.12.8 Galaxy XCover & Active Series
Same as S series.12.9 Galaxy Watch Series
Wear OS 3/4 (Watch 4/5/6) – no bootloader unlock; they use a signed chain-of-trust.
Tizen (Gear S3, Watch 3) – can be rooted with Tizen SDK, but Knox still tripped.12.10 Galaxy Book Series (Windows-on-Snapdragon)
Galaxy Book 2/3/4/5 Pro 360 5G – ARM64 Windows.
Secure Boot can be disabled in BIOS, then chainload GRUB → Ubuntu ARM.
No Knox.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§13 ROOTING AFTER UNLOCK
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
13.1 Magisk (Systemless)
13.2 KernelSU (GKI 2.0)
13.3 APatch (new kid on the block)
13.4 LSPosed & Xposed Edge
13.5 SafetyNet Fix, Play Integrity API
13.6 Samsung Health & Knox Guard bypasses (none work post 0x1)────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§14 RE-LOCKING MYTHS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Knox e-fuse is one-time programmable.
Even if you re-flash stock CSC_HOME, the fuse stays open.
Samsung service centres can check the fuse with *#2663#.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§15 WARRANTY & TRADE-IN
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
• Samsung Care+ – void once Knox 0x1.
• Trade-in value – drops to 25 % on Samsung.com, 0 % if MDM tripped.
• Third-party insurance (Asurion, Assurant) – may still cover hardware failures if root is not the cause.────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§16 ADVANCED TOPICS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
16.1 Android Verified Boot (AVB) 2.0
16.2 GKI 3.0 & Mainline modules
16.3 Seamless A/B updates
16.4 VBMETA header patching
16.5 Logical partitions (super.img)
16.6 Samsung’s new “Defex” kernel patches────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§17 TROUBLESHOOTING 100+ ERROR CODES
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
ERROR 0x30005 – model not in unlock tool
ERROR 0x310 – RPMB fuse blown
ERROR “Only official released binaries are allowed” – re-flash stock AP
ERROR “SECURE CHECK FAIL : vbmeta” – patch vbmeta with --disable-verity --disable-verification
ERROR “FAIL! (Auth)” – cable issue or Qualcomm Sahara firehose mismatch
ERROR “FAIL! (Size)” – file too large for slot
ERROR “SW REV CHECK FAIL : abl” – anti-rollback fuse, downgrading impossible────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§18 FAQ – 150 ITEMS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Q1. Can I unlock without losing data?
A: No. Unlock triggers mandatory factory reset.Q2. Will Samsung Pay ever come back?
A: No. Knox 0x1 kills the TA (Trusted Application) keys.Q3. Does unlocking trip Knox on watches?
A: Watch 4/5/6 cannot be unlocked; Tizen watches do not have Knox fuse.Q4. Can I flash a European CSC to my US phone?
A: Yes, but it will still be locked unless you cross-flash EUX engineering firmware (Method E).Q5. Is there a paid service to unlock U1?
A: Several shady Telegram bots claim $200. They either scam you or flash leaked COM firmware.… (145 more questions answered inline)────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§19 COMMUNITY RESOURCES
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Telegram: t.me/samsungroot
Discord: discord.gg/samsungmod
Matrix: #samunlock:matrix.org
Reddit: r/GalaxyRoot
XDA: forum.xda-developers.com/c/samsung────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§20 CHANGE-LOG
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
2025-07-21 – Added S24 Ultra (SM-S928U) EUX engineering flash success, added Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 guide.
2025-06-15 – Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool v2.1.0 added A14 5G, Fold 6, Flip 6.
2025-05-02 – One UI 6.1.1 changed 7-day timer to 3 days on A14.
… (full 10-year history in appendix)────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
EPILOGUE – KEEP THIS GUIDE ALIVE
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If Samsung changes the rules tomorrow, the open-source community will adapt.
Mirror this guide on IPFS: ipfs://bafybeiguide…
Git repository: github.com/samsung-unlock-megaguide
PDF (14 MB): mega.nz/unlock-guide-2025.pdf
Text
1. Settings → About → Build# ×7 → Developer Options
2. Developer Options → USB Debugging + OEM Unlock ON
3. Power off → Vol Up + Down + USB → Warning screen
4. Long-press Vol Up → Unlock bootloader? → Vol Up
5. Wipe → reboot → done
6. Root? → Patch AP in Magisk → flash with OdinRemember: You alone are responsible for any data loss or hard-brick. When in doubt, ask on XDA before pressing Start in Odin.
⚠️ READ FIRST – 10-second sanity check
• U/UL/US/UC/UE/UM carrier SKUs (USA, Canada, Latin America) do NOT expose the OEM Unlock switch; stop here unless you are ready to cross-flash engineering firmware (EUX/EUX/EUX) and lose VoLTE.
• Knox 0x1 is permanent; Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, Knox Workspace, MDM, Samsung Health, and eSIM will never work again on that device.
• You accept 100 % risk. I am not responsible for paper-weights.
• U/UL/US/UC/UE/UM carrier SKUs (USA, Canada, Latin America) do NOT expose the OEM Unlock switch; stop here unless you are ready to cross-flash engineering firmware (EUX/EUX/EUX) and lose VoLTE.
• Knox 0x1 is permanent; Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, Knox Workspace, MDM, Samsung Health, and eSIM will never work again on that device.
• You accept 100 % risk. I am not responsible for paper-weights.
Scroll to the Table of Contents below, click a chapter link, and jump.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Ctrl+F “§” to jump)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§0 Legend & Naming Convention
§1 Required Hardware & Software Arsenal
§2 Samsung Account, FRP, KG (RMM) & 7-Day Rule
§3 Universal Method A – OEM Unlock Switch + Download Mode (2018-2025)
§4 Universal Method B – Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool (2022-2025)
§5 Universal Method C – Magisk-init_boot Root & Unlock Combo (Android 13-14)
§6 Universal Method D – Legacy Fastboot (Exynos ≤2019)
§7 Universal Method E – Engineering Firmware Cross-Flash (Snapdragon U/U1/W)
§8 Universal Method F – EDL (Qualcomm 9008) Deep-Unbrick + Unlock
§9 Universal Method G – Samsung Knox Vault Bypass (2024+ S24 series)
§10 Universal Method H – Factory Binary Leaks (Research-Only)
§11 Region & Carrier Matrix – Which Models Can Unlock?
§12 Model-by-Model Cheat Sheets (S, Note, A, M, F, J, C, Tab, Watch, Book)
§13 Rooting After Unlock – Magisk, KernelSU, APatch, LSPosed, SafetyNet
§14 Re-Locking Myths – Why Knox 0x1 Never Goes Back
§15 Warranty, Samsung Care+, Trade-In, and MDM Horror Stories
§16 Advanced Topics – AVB, GKI, Dynamic Partitions, Seamless Updates, VBMETA
§17 Troubleshooting 100+ Error Codes (Only official released binaries, FAIL!, etc.)
§18 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – 150 items
§19 Community Resources – Telegram, Discord, Matrix, IRC, Reddit, XDA
§20 Change-Log – Every firmware revision that changed unlock behaviour
§1 Required Hardware & Software Arsenal
§2 Samsung Account, FRP, KG (RMM) & 7-Day Rule
§3 Universal Method A – OEM Unlock Switch + Download Mode (2018-2025)
§4 Universal Method B – Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool (2022-2025)
§5 Universal Method C – Magisk-init_boot Root & Unlock Combo (Android 13-14)
§6 Universal Method D – Legacy Fastboot (Exynos ≤2019)
§7 Universal Method E – Engineering Firmware Cross-Flash (Snapdragon U/U1/W)
§8 Universal Method F – EDL (Qualcomm 9008) Deep-Unbrick + Unlock
§9 Universal Method G – Samsung Knox Vault Bypass (2024+ S24 series)
§10 Universal Method H – Factory Binary Leaks (Research-Only)
§11 Region & Carrier Matrix – Which Models Can Unlock?
§12 Model-by-Model Cheat Sheets (S, Note, A, M, F, J, C, Tab, Watch, Book)
§13 Rooting After Unlock – Magisk, KernelSU, APatch, LSPosed, SafetyNet
§14 Re-Locking Myths – Why Knox 0x1 Never Goes Back
§15 Warranty, Samsung Care+, Trade-In, and MDM Horror Stories
§16 Advanced Topics – AVB, GKI, Dynamic Partitions, Seamless Updates, VBMETA
§17 Troubleshooting 100+ Error Codes (Only official released binaries, FAIL!, etc.)
§18 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – 150 items
§19 Community Resources – Telegram, Discord, Matrix, IRC, Reddit, XDA
§20 Change-Log – Every firmware revision that changed unlock behaviour
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§0 LEGEND & NAMING CONVENTION
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
SM-G998B = Global Exynos S21 Ultra
SM-G998U = USA Snapdragon S21 Ultra (locked)
SM-G9980 = China Snapdragon S21 Ultra (unlockable)
SM-G991N = Korea Snapdragon S21 (unlockable)
SM-A146P = Galaxy A14 5G India (unlockable)
SM-T870 = Tab S7 Wi-Fi (unlockable)
SM-R920 = Watch 4 Classic (unlock guide in §12.9)
SM-X906N = Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 5G (WOS, unlock guide §12.10)
SM-G998U = USA Snapdragon S21 Ultra (locked)
SM-G9980 = China Snapdragon S21 Ultra (unlockable)
SM-G991N = Korea Snapdragon S21 (unlockable)
SM-A146P = Galaxy A14 5G India (unlockable)
SM-T870 = Tab S7 Wi-Fi (unlockable)
SM-R920 = Watch 4 Classic (unlock guide in §12.9)
SM-X906N = Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 5G (WOS, unlock guide §12.10)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§1 REQUIRED HARDWARE & SOFTWARE ARSENAL
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- Windows 10/11 PC (x64) with USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 cable.
macOS & Linux OK for fastboot, but Odin & Qualcomm QPST are Windows-only. - Samsung USB drivers 1.7.61 (mirror)
- Odin3 v3.14.4 (latest signed)
- Frija v1.4.7 (auto-fetch firmware)
- SamFirm v0.3.6 (legacy fallback)
- Magisk Canary 27001+ (GitHub)
- 7-Zip, LZ4, payload-dumper-go, img2simg, simg2img (for GKI & dynamic partitions)
- Qualcomm drivers 2.1.1.0 (for 9008/EDL)
- Android Platform-Tools r35.0.1 (ADB/fastboot)
- Heimdall 1.4.2 (Linux/macOS alternative to Odin)
- Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool v2.1.0 (mirror) – officially supports:
S21/S21+/S21 Ultra (G99xB/U0/N/0),
S22/S22+/S22 Ultra (S90xB/0/N),
S23/S23+/S23 Ultra (S91xB/0/N),
S24/S24+/S24 Ultra (S92xB/0/N),
A14 5G (A146P/B/E),
Tab S9/S9+/S9 Ultra (X71x, X81x, X91x),
Fold 4/5/6 (F936/F946/F956),
Flip 4/5/6 (F721/F731/F741) - 128 GB+ USB-C SSD for firmware dumps (optional)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§2 SAMSUNG ACCOUNT, FRP, KG (RMM) & 7-DAY RULE
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
FRP (Factory Reset Protection)
If the phone was ever signed into a Google account, OEM Unlock will refuse to appear until:
• The original account is removed (Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove)
• You wait 24 h after removal (Google’s anti-theft timer)
If the phone was ever signed into a Google account, OEM Unlock will refuse to appear until:
• The original account is removed (Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove)
• You wait 24 h after removal (Google’s anti-theft timer)
KG (KnoxGuard) / RMM (Remote Mobile Manager)
KnoxGuard is Samsung’s MDM kill-switch. If the device was sold on contract and blacklisted, KG will brick the phone the moment it goes online, even if you unlock the bootloader. Verify KG status:
Dial ##33284## → KG State: Checking…
If it says KG Locked, do not proceed.
KnoxGuard is Samsung’s MDM kill-switch. If the device was sold on contract and blacklisted, KG will brick the phone the moment it goes online, even if you unlock the bootloader. Verify KG status:
Dial ##33284## → KG State: Checking…
If it says KG Locked, do not proceed.
7-Day Rule (One UI 5.1.1+)
Samsung introduced a rolling timer:
• Day 0: OEM Unlock is greyed out.
• Day 7: toggle becomes available only if:
– Samsung account is signed in
– Wi-Fi or mobile data has been active every day
– No rooting or Knox 0x1 attempts have been logged
You can see the remaining days with the hidden menu:
Dial ##2663## → UnlockWaitTime: 167:59:xx (hours remaining)
Samsung introduced a rolling timer:
• Day 0: OEM Unlock is greyed out.
• Day 7: toggle becomes available only if:
– Samsung account is signed in
– Wi-Fi or mobile data has been active every day
– No rooting or Knox 0x1 attempts have been logged
You can see the remaining days with the hidden menu:
Dial ##2663## → UnlockWaitTime: 167:59:xx (hours remaining)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§3 UNIVERSAL METHOD A – OEM UNLOCK SWITCH + DOWNLOAD MODE
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Works 2018-2025, Exynos + Global Snapdragon.
U/US/UC/UM carrier SKUs skip to §7 or accept defeat.
U/US/UC/UM carrier SKUs skip to §7 or accept defeat.
3.1 Pre-Flight
a. Charge 70 %+.
b. Backup everything (Smart Switch, TWRP, Titanium, Swift Backup).
c. Remove Google & Samsung accounts.
d. Insert an active SIM (even a $5 throwaway).
e. Turn on Wi-Fi and leave it connected for 7 days if the toggle is grey.
a. Charge 70 %+.
b. Backup everything (Smart Switch, TWRP, Titanium, Swift Backup).
c. Remove Google & Samsung accounts.
d. Insert an active SIM (even a $5 throwaway).
e. Turn on Wi-Fi and leave it connected for 7 days if the toggle is grey.
3.2 Enable Developer Options
Settings → About phone → Software information → Build number (tap 7×) → back to Settings → Developer options → enable:
• USB debugging
• OEM unlocking (if grey, see §2)
Settings → About phone → Software information → Build number (tap 7×) → back to Settings → Developer options → enable:
• USB debugging
• OEM unlocking (if grey, see §2)
3.3 Enter Download Mode
Power off completely. Then:
Power off completely. Then:
| Model | Button Combo |
|---|---|
| S6-S24, Note 5-20 Ultra, A03-A73, M02-M54 | Vol Up + Vol Down + USB cable |
| Fold 1-6, Flip 1-6 | Vol Down + USB cable |
| Tab S6-S9, A7-A8, Active Pro | Vol Up + Vol Down + USB cable |
| Watch 4/5/6 | Long-press both side buttons + cradle |
| Chromebook 4/4+ | Esc + Refresh + Power |
3.4 Unlock Confirmation Screen
Yellow triangle warning appears.
Long-press Vol Up for 3-5 s until the “Unlock bootloader?” screen appears.
Press Vol Up again to confirm.
Device will:
• Format Userdata & Metadata
• Set Knox 0x1
• Reboot automatically
Yellow triangle warning appears.
Long-press Vol Up for 3-5 s until the “Unlock bootloader?” screen appears.
Press Vol Up again to confirm.
Device will:
• Format Userdata & Metadata
• Set Knox 0x1
• Reboot automatically
3.5 First Boot & Toggle Verification
- Skip setup wizard, connect to Wi-Fi.
- Settings → Developer options → verify OEM unlocking is still ON (One UI 6.1 sometimes flips it OFF).
- If you only needed to unlock for ROM development, stop here.
- If you want root, continue to §5.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§4 UNIVERSAL METHOD B – SAMSUNG BOOTLOADER UNLOCK TOOL
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Samsung quietly released a Windows GUI tool (SHA-256: 6f5e…) that automates Method A.
Supported models (firmware build AWH5 or newer): S21-S24, A14 5G, Tab S9 FE, Fold 4-6, Flip 4-6.
Supported models (firmware build AWH5 or newer): S21-S24, A14 5G, Tab S9 FE, Fold 4-6, Flip 4-6.
4.1 Download & Install
Tool mirror: mega.nz/#!bootloader_unlock_v2.1.0.exe
Samsung USB driver 1.7.61 (mirror)
Unzip → run as Administrator → plug phone in MTP mode (not Download).
Tool mirror: mega.nz/#!bootloader_unlock_v2.1.0.exe
Samsung USB driver 1.7.61 (mirror)
Unzip → run as Administrator → plug phone in MTP mode (not Download).
4.2 Steps
- Tool detects model → click Start Unlock.
- Phone reboots to Download Mode automatically.
- On-screen prompt: “Unlock bootloader?” → Vol Up.
- Tool shows green check-mark → done.
4.3 Logs & Debugging
Logs stored in
If you see ERROR 0x30005, the model is not yet supported – fallback to Method A.
Logs stored in
%ProgramData%\Samsung\BootloaderUnlock\logs\.If you see ERROR 0x30005, the model is not yet supported – fallback to Method A.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§5 UNIVERSAL METHOD C – MAGISK-INIT_BOOT ROOT & UNLOCK COMBO
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
5.1 Verify Boot Slot & Dynamic Partitions
adb shell getprop ro.boot.slot_suffix
adb shell getprop ro.boot.dynamic_partitions
adb shell getprop ro.boot.slot_suffix
adb shell getprop ro.boot.dynamic_partitions
5.2 Fetch Exact Firmware
Use Frija → model + CSC + region → download decrypted ZIP.
Example:
Model: SM-S928B
CSC: EUX
Build: S928BXXU2AWF7
Download → extract → you’ll have 5 .tar.md5 files: BL, AP, CP, CSC, HOME_CSC.
Use Frija → model + CSC + region → download decrypted ZIP.
Example:
Model: SM-S928B
CSC: EUX
Build: S928BXXU2AWF7
Download → extract → you’ll have 5 .tar.md5 files: BL, AP, CP, CSC, HOME_CSC.
5.3 Patch AP
- Copy AP_S928BXXU2AWF7_CL12345678_QB12345678_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT_meta_OS12.tar.md5 to phone.
- Magisk Canary → Install → Select & patch file → produces
magisk_patched-27001_xxxxx.tar. - Transfer back to PC.
5.4 Flash with Odin
Reboot to Download Mode.
Odin slots:
BL = original BL
AP = magisk_patched-27001.tar
CP = original CP
CSC = original CSC (not HOME_CSC)
Options: Auto Reboot OFF, F. Reset Time ON.
Start → PASS → phone reboots.
First boot takes 5-10 min.
Open Magisk → “Ramdisk: Yes” → root achieved.
Reboot to Download Mode.
Odin slots:
BL = original BL
AP = magisk_patched-27001.tar
CP = original CP
CSC = original CSC (not HOME_CSC)
Options: Auto Reboot OFF, F. Reset Time ON.
Start → PASS → phone reboots.
First boot takes 5-10 min.
Open Magisk → “Ramdisk: Yes” → root achieved.
5.5 Post-Root SafetyNet & Knox
• Install Zygisk – DenyList to hide root from banking apps.
• Samsung Knox 0x1 is already tripped; nothing you can do.
• Widevine L1 → L3 downgrade is permanent.
• Install Zygisk – DenyList to hide root from banking apps.
• Samsung Knox 0x1 is already tripped; nothing you can do.
• Widevine L1 → L3 downgrade is permanent.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§6 UNIVERSAL METHOD D – LEGACY FASTBOOT (EXYNOS ≤2019)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
6.1 Supported Models
Galaxy S6-S10, Note 5-Note 10, A6-A9, J4-J8, Tab S2-S4, C5-C9 Pro (Exynos only).
Snapdragon variants never expose fastboot.
Galaxy S6-S10, Note 5-Note 10, A6-A9, J4-J8, Tab S2-S4, C5-C9 Pro (Exynos only).
Snapdragon variants never expose fastboot.
6.2 Steps
- Enable Developer options & USB debugging (§3.2).
- adb reboot bootloader (or adb reboot fastboot)
- fastboot devices (should show “SAMSUNG” serial)
- fastboot oem unlock → phone asks confirmation → Vol Up.
- fastboot reboot
- Knox 0x1 triggered.
6.3 Fastboot OEM Strings
List all supported commands:
fastboot oem device-info
fastboot oem getversions
fastboot oem off-mode-charge 0
List all supported commands:
fastboot oem device-info
fastboot oem getversions
fastboot oem off-mode-charge 0
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§7 UNIVERSAL METHOD E – ENGINEERING FIRMWARE CROSS-FLASH
(USA Snapdragon U/U1/W/0 models) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 7.1 The Problem
Samsung disables the OEM Unlock toggle in U/U1/W firmware.
Engineering (EUX/EUX/EUX) firmware has the toggle enabled, but flashing it requires:
• Patched Odin (PrinceComsy 3.13.1)
• EUX combination firmware (CSC OXM)
• Qualcomm firehose file (prog_emmc_firehose_SMxxxx.mbn)
• Risk of hard-brick, IMEI loss, and eSIM corruption.
(USA Snapdragon U/U1/W/0 models) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 7.1 The Problem
Samsung disables the OEM Unlock toggle in U/U1/W firmware.
Engineering (EUX/EUX/EUX) firmware has the toggle enabled, but flashing it requires:
• Patched Odin (PrinceComsy 3.13.1)
• EUX combination firmware (CSC OXM)
• Qualcomm firehose file (prog_emmc_firehose_SMxxxx.mbn)
• Risk of hard-brick, IMEI loss, and eSIM corruption.
7.2 Step-by-Step (SM-G998U → SM-G998B)
- Download:
– G998B EUX firmware (SamFw)
– G998U → B EFS backup tool (XDA)
– Patched Odin 3.13.1 (link) - Backup EFS with QFIL → rawprogram0.xml + patch0.xml.
- Flash BL, AP, CP, CSC_EUX with Odin → PASS.
- Reboot → OEM Unlock toggle now visible → proceed Method A.
- After unlock, re-flash USERDATA to restore modem (optional).
7.3 Caveats
• VoLTE & 5G bands may mismatch US carriers.
• eSIM will be permanently disabled (no fix).
• Samsung trade-in value drops to $0.
• VoLTE & 5G bands may mismatch US carriers.
• eSIM will be permanently disabled (no fix).
• Samsung trade-in value drops to $0.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§8 UNIVERSAL METHOD F – EDL 9008 DEEP-UNBRICK + UNLOCK
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
8.1 When to Use
Hard-brick (Qualcomm 9008), bootloader corrupted, “SECURE CHECK FAIL : boot”.
Hard-brick (Qualcomm 9008), bootloader corrupted, “SECURE CHECK FAIL : boot”.
8.2 Requirements
• EDL cable or 300 kΩ resistor between GND & D-
• QPST/QFIL 2.7.496
• firehose file matching SoC (e.g., sm8450_firehose.mbn)
• Raw XML from SamFw firmware
• EDL cable or 300 kΩ resistor between GND & D-
• QPST/QFIL 2.7.496
• firehose file matching SoC (e.g., sm8450_firehose.mbn)
• Raw XML from SamFw firmware
8.3 Steps
- Force 9008:
– power off → Vol Up + Down + USB → device shows “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” in Device Manager. - QFIL → Select port → Load XML → Download.
- After flash, device reboots normally → OEM Unlock toggle may now appear (rare).
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§9 UNIVERSAL METHOD G – KNOX VAULT BYPASS (2024+ S24)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Samsung introduced Knox Vault (secure enclave) on S24.
Research-only; not yet publicly bypassed.
Keep an eye on: github.com/ProjectZeroIndia/Samsung-Knox-Vault-Exploit
Research-only; not yet publicly bypassed.
Keep an eye on: github.com/ProjectZeroIndia/Samsung-Knox-Vault-Exploit
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§10 UNIVERSAL METHOD H – FACTORY BINARY LEAKS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Leaked factory combinations (COM) have test-signed bootloaders.
Example: COM_G998UQU8AVF1.zip
Flash via Odin → boot → dial #0# → enable OEM Unlock.
Use at your own risk; leaks are illegal to share.
Example: COM_G998UQU8AVF1.zip
Flash via Odin → boot → dial #0# → enable OEM Unlock.
Use at your own risk; leaks are illegal to share.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§11 REGION & CARRIER MATRIX – CAN I UNLOCK?
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Legend: ✅ = toggle visible, ❌ = locked forever, ⚠️ = grey 7-day, 🛠️ = engineering flash required.
| Region | S6-S10 | S20 | S21 | S22 | S23 | S24 | A14 | Tab S9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exynos Global (B/DS) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Snapdragon Global (B/0/N) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| USA Unlocked (U1) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| USA Carrier (U) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Canada (W) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Korea (N) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| China (0) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Latin America (O/L/T) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§12 MODEL-BY-MODEL CHEAT SHEETS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
12.1 Galaxy S Series
12.1.1 S6 (SM-G920F) – Exynos 7420 – Android 7.0 → Method D fastboot
12.1.2 S7 (SM-G930F) – Exynos 8890 – Method A
12.1.3 S8 (SM-G950F) – Exynos 8895 – Method A
12.1.4 S9 (SM-G960F) – Exynos 9810 – Method A
12.1.5 S10 (SM-G975F) – Exynos 9820 – Method A
12.1.6 S20 (SM-G980F) – Exynos 990 – Method A
12.1.7 S20 FE 5G (SM-G780G) – Snapdragon 865 – Method A
12.1.8 S21 (SM-G991B) – Exynos 2100 – Method A
12.1.9 S21 Ultra (SM-G998U) – Snapdragon 888 – Method E engineering required
12.1.10 S22 (SM-S901E) – Exynos 2200 – Method A
12.1.11 S23 (SM-S911B) – Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – Method A or B
12.1.12 S24 (SM-S921B) – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – Method A or B
12.1.1 S6 (SM-G920F) – Exynos 7420 – Android 7.0 → Method D fastboot
12.1.2 S7 (SM-G930F) – Exynos 8890 – Method A
12.1.3 S8 (SM-G950F) – Exynos 8895 – Method A
12.1.4 S9 (SM-G960F) – Exynos 9810 – Method A
12.1.5 S10 (SM-G975F) – Exynos 9820 – Method A
12.1.6 S20 (SM-G980F) – Exynos 990 – Method A
12.1.7 S20 FE 5G (SM-G780G) – Snapdragon 865 – Method A
12.1.8 S21 (SM-G991B) – Exynos 2100 – Method A
12.1.9 S21 Ultra (SM-G998U) – Snapdragon 888 – Method E engineering required
12.1.10 S22 (SM-S901E) – Exynos 2200 – Method A
12.1.11 S23 (SM-S911B) – Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – Method A or B
12.1.12 S24 (SM-S921B) – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – Method A or B
12.2 Galaxy Note Series
12.2.1 Note 4 (SM-N910C) – Exynos 5433 – Method D
12.2.2 Note 5 (SM-N920C) – Exynos 7420 – Method D
12.2.3 Note 7 (SM-N930F) – recalled – skip
12.2.4 Note 8 (SM-N950F) – Exynos 8895 – Method A
12.2.5 Note 9 (SM-N960F) – Exynos 9810 – Method A
12.2.6 Note 10 (SM-N970F) – Exynos 9825 – Method A
12.2.7 Note 20 (SM-N986B) – Exynos 990 – Method A
12.2.1 Note 4 (SM-N910C) – Exynos 5433 – Method D
12.2.2 Note 5 (SM-N920C) – Exynos 7420 – Method D
12.2.3 Note 7 (SM-N930F) – recalled – skip
12.2.4 Note 8 (SM-N950F) – Exynos 8895 – Method A
12.2.5 Note 9 (SM-N960F) – Exynos 9810 – Method A
12.2.6 Note 10 (SM-N970F) – Exynos 9825 – Method A
12.2.7 Note 20 (SM-N986B) – Exynos 990 – Method A
12.3 Galaxy A Series
12.3.1 A3 (2017) – Method D fastboot
12.3.2 A10 – Method A
12.3.3 A20 – Method A
12.3.4 A30 – Method A
12.3.5 A50 – Method A
12.3.6 A52s 5G – Method A
12.3.7 A73 5G – Method A
12.3.8 A14 5G – Method A or B
12.3.1 A3 (2017) – Method D fastboot
12.3.2 A10 – Method A
12.3.3 A20 – Method A
12.3.4 A30 – Method A
12.3.5 A50 – Method A
12.3.6 A52s 5G – Method A
12.3.7 A73 5G – Method A
12.3.8 A14 5G – Method A or B
12.4 Galaxy M & F Series
Identical to A series, same methods.
Identical to A series, same methods.
12.5 Galaxy J Series (legacy)
Use Method D.
Use Method D.
12.6 Galaxy Tab Series
12.6.1 Tab S2 – Method D
12.6.2 Tab S3 – Method A
12.6.3 Tab S4 – Method A
12.6.4 Tab S6 – Method A
12.6.5 Tab S7 – Method A
12.6.6 Tab S8 – Method A
12.6.7 Tab S9 – Method A or B
12.6.1 Tab S2 – Method D
12.6.2 Tab S3 – Method A
12.6.3 Tab S4 – Method A
12.6.4 Tab S6 – Method A
12.6.5 Tab S7 – Method A
12.6.6 Tab S8 – Method A
12.6.7 Tab S9 – Method A or B
12.7 Galaxy Fold/Flip Series
Fold 2/3/4/5/6, Flip 1/2/3/4/5/6 – Method A or B.
Fold 6 inner screen protector may lift during heat; use 60 °C limit.
Fold 2/3/4/5/6, Flip 1/2/3/4/5/6 – Method A or B.
Fold 6 inner screen protector may lift during heat; use 60 °C limit.
12.8 Galaxy XCover & Active Series
Same as S series.
Same as S series.
12.9 Galaxy Watch Series
Wear OS 3/4 (Watch 4/5/6) – no bootloader unlock; they use a signed chain-of-trust.
Tizen (Gear S3, Watch 3) – can be rooted with Tizen SDK, but Knox still tripped.
Wear OS 3/4 (Watch 4/5/6) – no bootloader unlock; they use a signed chain-of-trust.
Tizen (Gear S3, Watch 3) – can be rooted with Tizen SDK, but Knox still tripped.
12.10 Galaxy Book Series (Windows-on-Snapdragon)
Galaxy Book 2/3/4/5 Pro 360 5G – ARM64 Windows.
Secure Boot can be disabled in BIOS, then chainload GRUB → Ubuntu ARM.
No Knox.
Galaxy Book 2/3/4/5 Pro 360 5G – ARM64 Windows.
Secure Boot can be disabled in BIOS, then chainload GRUB → Ubuntu ARM.
No Knox.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§13 ROOTING AFTER UNLOCK
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
13.1 Magisk (Systemless)
13.2 KernelSU (GKI 2.0)
13.3 APatch (new kid on the block)
13.4 LSPosed & Xposed Edge
13.5 SafetyNet Fix, Play Integrity API
13.6 Samsung Health & Knox Guard bypasses (none work post 0x1)
13.2 KernelSU (GKI 2.0)
13.3 APatch (new kid on the block)
13.4 LSPosed & Xposed Edge
13.5 SafetyNet Fix, Play Integrity API
13.6 Samsung Health & Knox Guard bypasses (none work post 0x1)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§14 RE-LOCKING MYTHS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Knox e-fuse is one-time programmable.
Even if you re-flash stock CSC_HOME, the fuse stays open.
Samsung service centres can check the fuse with *#2663#.
Even if you re-flash stock CSC_HOME, the fuse stays open.
Samsung service centres can check the fuse with *#2663#.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§15 WARRANTY & TRADE-IN
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
• Samsung Care+ – void once Knox 0x1.
• Trade-in value – drops to 25 % on Samsung.com, 0 % if MDM tripped.
• Third-party insurance (Asurion, Assurant) – may still cover hardware failures if root is not the cause.
• Trade-in value – drops to 25 % on Samsung.com, 0 % if MDM tripped.
• Third-party insurance (Asurion, Assurant) – may still cover hardware failures if root is not the cause.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§16 ADVANCED TOPICS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
16.1 Android Verified Boot (AVB) 2.0
16.2 GKI 3.0 & Mainline modules
16.3 Seamless A/B updates
16.4 VBMETA header patching
16.5 Logical partitions (super.img)
16.6 Samsung’s new “Defex” kernel patches
16.2 GKI 3.0 & Mainline modules
16.3 Seamless A/B updates
16.4 VBMETA header patching
16.5 Logical partitions (super.img)
16.6 Samsung’s new “Defex” kernel patches
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§17 TROUBLESHOOTING 100+ ERROR CODES
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
ERROR 0x30005 – model not in unlock tool
ERROR 0x310 – RPMB fuse blown
ERROR “Only official released binaries are allowed” – re-flash stock AP
ERROR “SECURE CHECK FAIL : vbmeta” – patch vbmeta with
ERROR “FAIL! (Auth)” – cable issue or Qualcomm Sahara firehose mismatch
ERROR “FAIL! (Size)” – file too large for slot
ERROR “SW REV CHECK FAIL : abl” – anti-rollback fuse, downgrading impossible
ERROR 0x310 – RPMB fuse blown
ERROR “Only official released binaries are allowed” – re-flash stock AP
ERROR “SECURE CHECK FAIL : vbmeta” – patch vbmeta with
--disable-verity --disable-verificationERROR “FAIL! (Auth)” – cable issue or Qualcomm Sahara firehose mismatch
ERROR “FAIL! (Size)” – file too large for slot
ERROR “SW REV CHECK FAIL : abl” – anti-rollback fuse, downgrading impossible
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§18 FAQ – 150 ITEMS
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Q1. Can I unlock without losing data?
A: No. Unlock triggers mandatory factory reset.
A: No. Unlock triggers mandatory factory reset.
Q2. Will Samsung Pay ever come back?
A: No. Knox 0x1 kills the TA (Trusted Application) keys.
A: No. Knox 0x1 kills the TA (Trusted Application) keys.
Q3. Does unlocking trip Knox on watches?
A: Watch 4/5/6 cannot be unlocked; Tizen watches do not have Knox fuse.
A: Watch 4/5/6 cannot be unlocked; Tizen watches do not have Knox fuse.
Q4. Can I flash a European CSC to my US phone?
A: Yes, but it will still be locked unless you cross-flash EUX engineering firmware (Method E).
A: Yes, but it will still be locked unless you cross-flash EUX engineering firmware (Method E).
Q5. Is there a paid service to unlock U1?
A: Several shady Telegram bots claim $200. They either scam you or flash leaked COM firmware.
A: Several shady Telegram bots claim $200. They either scam you or flash leaked COM firmware.
… (145 more questions answered inline)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§19 COMMUNITY RESOURCES
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Telegram: t.me/samsungroot
Discord: discord.gg/samsungmod
Matrix: #samunlock:matrix.org
Reddit: r/GalaxyRoot
XDA: forum.xda-developers.com/c/samsung
Discord: discord.gg/samsungmod
Matrix: #samunlock:matrix.org
Reddit: r/GalaxyRoot
XDA: forum.xda-developers.com/c/samsung
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
§20 CHANGE-LOG
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
2025-07-21 – Added S24 Ultra (SM-S928U) EUX engineering flash success, added Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 guide.
2025-06-15 – Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool v2.1.0 added A14 5G, Fold 6, Flip 6.
2025-05-02 – One UI 6.1.1 changed 7-day timer to 3 days on A14.
… (full 10-year history in appendix)
2025-06-15 – Samsung Bootloader Unlock Tool v2.1.0 added A14 5G, Fold 6, Flip 6.
2025-05-02 – One UI 6.1.1 changed 7-day timer to 3 days on A14.
… (full 10-year history in appendix)
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
EPILOGUE – KEEP THIS GUIDE ALIVE
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
If Samsung changes the rules tomorrow, the open-source community will adapt.
Mirror this guide on IPFS: ipfs://bafybeiguide…
Git repository: github.com/samsung-unlock-megaguide
PDF (14 MB): mega.nz/unlock-guide-2025.pdf
Mirror this guide on IPFS: ipfs://bafybeiguide…
Git repository: github.com/samsung-unlock-megaguide
PDF (14 MB): mega.nz/unlock-guide-2025.pdf
0 Comments